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Alf Jacobson Obituary
NEW LONDON -- The Rev. Dr. Alf E. Jacobson, 86, of Burpee Hill Road, died April 18, 2010, at the New London Hospital.
He was born in Spokane, Wash., on April 4, 1924, the son of Carl and Emmy (Borjesson) Jacobson. He lived in Muncie, Ind., before moving to New London in 1958. He received an A.A. degree from North Park College in 1948, a B.S. degree from Northwestern University in 1952, a master's degree from Tufts in 1954 and a doctorate from Harvard in 1963.
He was a professor of economics at Colby-Sawyer College from 1958 to 1986 and was faculty emeritus. From 1969 to 1978, he served as New London state senator; from 1975 to 1981, he was state Senate president; and from 1982 to 1992 and 1994 until 2001, he served as a state representative.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and acted as the battalion interpreter because he was fluent in Japanese and Swedish. He could also speak German and Spanish.
He was very active in the town serving as a Tracy Memorial Library trustee, 1960-1963; planning board member, 1965-1971; town moderator, 1970-1973; selectman, 1973-1985; town welfare director, 1993-1997; Kearsarge Regional School District moderator, 1968-1984; New London Historical Society member. He was an original trustee of Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust in 1987.
He hosted "More than the Two of Us," a radio talk show on WNTK.
He received the A.S.C.A. American Church History Society Book Award in 1965, the North Park College Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1983 and the New Hampshire ACLU Bill of Rights Award in 1994. In 2001, the New London Service Organization presented Alf and his wife, Sonja, with the Third-of-a-Century Award for outstanding community service.
He enjoyed collecting "old paper," letters from or to the New Hampshire Civil War soldiers, books, stamps, coins and hats. He liked to collect.
Family members include his wife of 58 years, Sonja (Torstenson) Jacobson of New London; two sons, Brent B. Jacobson of New London and Kurt T. Jacobson of Dover; and a granddaughter.
SERVICES: Calling hours are Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main St., New London. A funeral service will be held Saturday at 3 p.m. at The First Baptist Church of New London. Burial will be in Old Main Street Cemetery, New London.
Memorial contributions may be made to Colby-Sawyer College, 541 Main St., New London, NH 03257. To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.chadwickfuneralservice.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alf Jacobson
Francis Evans
May 4, 2010
I was very sorry to learn of Alf's passing. He was a great legislator and selectman, a fine educator, an avid collector, and a true gentleman. New London has lost one of its most revered citizens.
My sympathy to Sonja and all of Alf's family.
Francis C Evans, MD
Chuck Anderson
April 28, 2010
Liz and I send our love and prayers of thanksgiving for the gift of Alf's friendship and the wonderful times we shared when he taught in our Elderhostel program at Pilgrim Pines. We loved our times with Alf and Sonja, the stories, collecting of "junk" and sharing our Swedish heritage. You have blessed our lives Alf and modeled for us what it means to live your life to make a difference in our world. Shalom! Chuck and Liz Anderson
Larry and Betty Nilson
April 26, 2010
Just got the news of Alf’s death from Don and Terri who kept us up-to-date through the years. Many, many will remember Alf’s great intellect and spirit and countless contributions to quality life in New Hampshire. Our thoughts and prayers go to you at your great loss.
April 24, 2010
Alf was my pastor when I was a teenager. He shepherded our small Covenant church in Beverly Massachusetts. He was my comfirmation teacher and our youth group leader. Always full of fun and patience, he drove us bowling, roller skating, to summer camp in Connecticut and to activities with other Covenant youth all over Massachusetts. As a batchelor, he spent time at our home, with our parents and my five siblings. We considered him one more member of Johnson family. After he and Sonja married, they co-pastored our church, led the youth, and Sonja was adopted by our family. I loved Alf as a pastor and friend and as I've lived more years now, I respect his intellect and varied interests. My sister and brothers turned to him when we were to be married; he officiated at four of our weddings. As difficult as it was for him emotionally, he agreed to give the eulogy at Dad's funeral in 1985. My husband and I are deeply saddened upon hearing of his death. Our love to Sonja and his family. God bless you during these sad days. Bill and Teedie Clark
Cotton Cleveland
April 23, 2010
Alf was a great citizen of democracy in New London and in New Hampshire. His memory will live on!
Sarah Wall
April 22, 2010
Condolences during this difficult time.
Ralph Youngman
April 22, 2010
I was a college roommate of Alf's back in 1948-49 at North Park. Alf was always a delight to know and full of life and a myriad of interests. He regaled the rest of his roommates with war stories and his duties as Jaspanese interpreter. I will always remember Alf and Sonja.
--Ralph Youngman, Batavia, Illinois
Paul Partenope
April 21, 2010
I served with Alf on the Primex Board of Trustees from the time it was formed in 2000 until Alf left the Board in 2005. I enjoyed his sense of humor and his council.
Kevin Moquin
April 21, 2010
I spent five years on the staff of the NH House, four of those working with "Representative Jacobson" (as I always respectfully referred to him) as researcher for the Judiciary Committee. You never came away from a meeting run by Alf without a few smiles and a good laugh or two. Though he described himself as "old and decrepit" and "just an old country boy," his insight and intelligence were the center of many important discussions. I particularly remember sitting with Alf and discussing his experience on Iwo Jima. He will be remembered, despite his out-of-state roots, as "real New Hampshire."
Atty. Robert Bossie
April 20, 2010
I served in the NH Senate for 6 years with Alf in the 1970's. We became good friends and have remained so throughout the years. Alf was a Renaissance man who knew a lot about a lot of subjects. He was an Economist, a Constitutional scholar and historian. Having a good sense of humor made him the generous spirit that he was. He was the best and I will miss him.
April 20, 2010
I first met “Jake” (as he was referred to by some) when I was five years old when my father and he were great friends while serving together the NH State Senate in the late 60’s. However, it wasn’t until many years later when I was twenty two and served in the Legislature myself that came to know him well. He was my Chairman on the House Judiciary Committee, and from him I gained a wealth of knowledge on the legislative process and NH history, as well as how one comported themselves in the legislative arena. He was always fair minded and the consummate gentleman no matter what the circumstance. As a contemplative person, he would often test ideas by challenging conventional thought and engage in a spirited healthy debate. As a veteran, a teacher, and as a “citizen legislator” for almost two decades in both the House and Senate, he stands tall in the NH tradition of service to state and country. His affection for the legislative process was intense, and the state is a better place because of his passion for public service. Godspeed Jake!
- Judge Alec J. Koromilas, Dover, NH/Washington, DC
April 20, 2010
Alf was a wonderful economics professor at Colby-Sawyer College.
Pam (Roeder) Specht (Atlanta, GA)
Alvern Friedman
April 20, 2010
My daughters, Alison, Heidi & I want to extend our sincere condolences to you. Alf, I've known since college days and Sonja and I have been best friends since we were 10. So many memories flood my mind. May God bless you and keep you in His loving care. Our prayers are with you in the days ahead. Alvern
Joe Manning
April 20, 2010
A mentor, a friend, a great legislator and a true gentleman. We who have served with him are richer for the privilege.
April 20, 2010
Kurt and Brent - So sorry to hear about your Dad. I have many fond memories of him from childhood. He was a great man! Our love to you. Kristina (Jensen) Nikolaidis and Family
April 20, 2010
A brilliant and persuasive legislator and a very nice man. The State will miss him. Condolences William J. McCarthy, Manchester NH
The Staff of Chadwick Funeral Service
April 20, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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